The World Within

Hibiscus

A World Within © 2011 Bo Mackison

I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within.  ~Lillian Smith


Purple Moth Orchids

Purple Orchids

Purple Moth Orchids © 2011 Bo Mackison

The orchids are in full bloom in the Bolz Conservatory at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison. I went into this tropical paradise to escape the snow and cold, and ended up with some wonderful botanical subjects and I found a peaceful setting that calmed my racing heart, and my racing around as I get ready for my (half) a cross country trip.

One of the nicest things about living in Wisconsin. No matter what direction you go to explore the United States, a destination in the 48 contiguous states is never more than a half country away. No cross country trips for me!

Yellow and Purple Orchids – Photography in Bolz Conservatory

Tiny Orchid - Yellow and Purple

Yellow and Purple Orchids © 2011 Bo Mackison

Another branch of tiny orchids photographed in the Bolz Conservatory at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison Wisconsin.

Tiny Orchids in Brown – Orchids at Bolz Conservatory

Tiny Orchid - Brown

Tiny Orchids in Brown © 2011 Bo Mackison

A tiny orchid, each flower is  little larger than a quarter, on exhibit at the Bolz Conservatory, a tropical paradise plopped in the middle of snowy Wisconsin’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens. While the outside gardens are deep in sleep, readying themselves for the spring show, these pampered tropical botanicals are showing off in grand style.

I DO wish I had been more mindful, and shot the ID sign next to these flowers, but I was so enthralled with the color, the composition, the basket weave background, that by the time I had a photo worth keeping, remembering to document the species was the last thing on my mind.

Cliff Palace Tour

Portal to the Past

Portal to the Past © 2010 Bo Mackison

Can you imagine who might have walked through this door 800 years ago? What they did during the day? How they lived, loved, worked, survived?

Mesa Verde's Cliff House

Mesa Verde's Cliff Palace © 2010 Bo Mackison

The Ancestral Pueblans lived in the Mesa Verde region in southwestern Colorado for over 700 years before mysteriously disappearing in just a few years. The Cliff Palace is in Mesa Verde National Park.

Mesa Verde Park Ranger

Mesa Verde Park Ranger © 2010 Bo Mackison

We had a terrific tour from this experienced park ranger. Not only was he well-informed, but he also had a sense of humor and a sense of reverence for the lands and the history he was sharing with the group. Sorry to say, I waited at the end of the tour to see if I could get his name, but he drove away before I could talk to him. I would have liked to have written a letter to the National Park Service to commend the efforts of this Park Ranger.

Cliff House Tour

Cliff House Tour © 2010 Bo Mackison

We did get up close and personal with the ruins, while still remaining respectful of the archaeological and cultural significance of the ruins we were viewing. What a feeling I had as I walked at the end of the line, dragging behind the others so I could not only take photographs, but also get a sense of the place. Inspiring!